It was so easy. Great to see what others were doing and had done. Connect with people from high school. Vigorous debate. Share photos, memes, videos. Post witty status updates and see the likes rise. A flurry of information and interactions.

I can’t recall a single one.

There were many times I attempted to leave Facebook for good. I would just log out and fight temptation. I would disable my account. Only days later would I re-activate it. The same usage patterns would emerge. I’d log on for a bit at home while watching TV, at work when no one was looking, taking a shit, or any other scenario with a few spare moments.

Tired of relapsing, I finally submitted to the blue banners. No more fighting the addiction.

And then, I read a NY Times article that turned on a light bulb. Social media was unnecessary. I questioned myself: What had it really done for me? I don’t actively use it, just lurk around and scroll as far as possible.

It was a distraction. And if I lost it, what will I be giving up? Nothing.

So I quit.

In one week, I’ll report back.